Indians trade reliever Rogers for Aviles and backup catcher

Reliever Esmil Rogers, who in some ways was the Indians' best pitcher last season, was traded by the Tribe on Saturday to Toronto for two backup players -- infielder Mike Aviles and catcher Yan Gomes.

Rogers, 26, made 44 relief appearances for the Indians last season and led all Tribe pitchers with a ratio of 4.5 strikeouts per walk. He also led the team's pitchers in fewest walks per nine innings (2.0). He had a 1.11 WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched), which ranked second on the team, and his 3.06 ERA ranked third on the team. His record was 3-1.

"Esmil is not a guy we wanted to trade, but we do have some depth in our bullpen, and this gave us the chance to add some position player depth to our major-league roster," said Tribe general manager Chris Antonetti.

Aviles, 31, was recently traded to Toronto by Boston as part of the compensation the Blue Jays got from the Red Sox for the hiring of Manager John Farrell. The right-handed hitting Aviles was Boston's starting shortstop in 2012. In 512 at-bats, he hit .250 with 13 home runs and 60 RBI.

Antonetti said the addition of Aviles means the Indians are not considering dealing Asdrubal Cabrera.

"We like Aviles for his versatility. He can play short, second and third," said Antonetti.

The Indians didn't have a true backup for Cabrera at shortstop in 2012.

Gomes, 25, spent most of 2012 at Class AAA Las Vegas, where in 305 at-bats he hit .328 with 13 home runs and 59 RBI. He is also a right-handed hitter. Gomes appeared in 43 games with the Blue Jays last season and in 98 at-bats hit .204 with four homers and 13 RBI.

"We expect him to compete for a spot as our backup catcher, and he can also play some first base, third base and the outfield," said Antonetti, who added the addition of Gomes does not mean the Indians are considering moving starting catcher Carlos Santana to first base.

"Gomes has soft hands, a strong arm and a quick release. Kevin Cash (a former big-league catcher and the Indians' new bullpen coach, who was a scout for Toronto last season) really likes him behind the plate," said Antonetti. "As a hitter, Yan has good, raw power."